The Growing World of "I Can Do That" Projects

Popular Woodworking Magazine’s I Can Do That column is wildly popular. If you’re a beginner, there’s nothing better than discovering what you can do with a bit of knowledge and a simple set of tools (download our manual and tool list, here). If, on the other hand, you are an accomplished furniture builder, the projects are way too much fun because you just go with the flow and pound out piece after piece. I’ve had a blast building many of these projects.

While generally the topics for the columns are furniture based, in our April 2011 issue – that’s right, we’re wrapping up the April issue – we pulled a fast one to include a shop fixture. Editor, Chris Schwarz, in his undying search for all things French woodworking, found an engraving that pictured the perfect shop project. It’s the ultimate I Can Do That project in that it’s easy to build while still a challenging project, and it’s as useful as all get out. We’ll keep you posted.

Before the April issue arrives, download the I Can Do That manual and take a look at the projects from past issues of the column – find a link at popularwoodworking.com or click here . Building a picnic table that doubles as a dining table, a bench for your mud room or a shapely shelf based off an original Shaker piece  is a sure way to get a handle on the techniques we use and to develop woodworking skills while furnishing your home with pieces that work.

And if the list of items we have on our site – three pages of projects in all – doesn’t adjust your combination square, stop by ana-white.com. Ms. White builds furniture with processes similar to what we use in our column. She began building for the same reasons most of us are drawn into woodworking, she wanted furniture for her home. It all began with a Farmhouse Bed. White’s projects are completely spelled out for you. She has a materials list and an estimated cost for each project – don’t think that’s the cost for plans. It’s all presented with step-by-step details. She even covers finishing the project. Ana does a great job.

— Glen D. Huey